After the pre-season tests, Haas F1 is now looking forward to starting the new season
With a total of 457 laps completed over three days at the Sakhir circuit, the American team is satisfied with its first official laps in 2025.
Ayao Komatsu can look towards Australia with confidence. The team principal of Haas has drawn a positive assessment from the three days of winter testing that took place in Bahrain last week. With no less than 2,473.28 kilometers covered by his two drivers, the VF-25 demonstrated good reliability despite a scare during the last morning.
“For our last day of testing, we had planned short stints and a race simulation for each of our drivers,” stated the Japanese leader. “Unfortunately, in the morning, we encountered an issue with the bodywork. Ollie’s (Bearman) session was therefore partially compromised, which is disappointing. Esteban (Ocon) then had a very good afternoon and completed the established plan. Overall, when I look at these tests, were they perfect? No, of course not, but apart from the last morning, we managed very well despite the difficult conditions. It was good preparation, and I’m now looking forward to being in Australia.”
These tests were indeed conducted under very specific conditions in this region of the world at this time of the year. With rain, wind, and very cool temperatures, the teams had to adapt their program to make the most of their available time on the track.
After his first three days of testing as a full-time F1 driver, Oliver Bearman now has only one desire: to get back behind the wheel of his team’s white and black car for the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia.
“I’m very excited about being in Australia and starting the season there. The car is performing very well, so I feel confident and comfortable, and we’ve been able to test several things that work. It’s hard to say exactly where we stand, as we haven’t done many laps with low fuel, but I think the car is working well,” said the 19-year-old driver.
For his part, Esteban Ocon is continuing to find his footing with his new team and expressed his excitement about starting under his new colors after five seasons with Renault/Alpine.
« We were able to do a lot of laps during the last day of testing. There is still performance to come, and it was a pleasant feeling to drive in good conditions with the other cars on the track. It was good testing on my part with no issues to report and according to the established plan. I am now well prepared before arriving in Australia » concluded the Frenchman.
After a strong end to the 2024 season, Haas is ambitious for 2025. With a new driver duo combining youth and experience, the American team will aim to break into the top 6 of the championship and lead a highly competitive midfield pack.
